Weaving the dream of peace together

Born in the 21st century as part of Generation Z, I have grown up in a peaceful China, where national stability and sovereignty provide a secure environment for everyday life.

But as I learn more about the country's history, I cannot help but wonder about the forces that contributed to the defeat of fascism, laying the foundation for today's prosperity.

In June, I was invited by China Daily to experience "Genzhe Tuanzhang Daxiancheng" (Follow the Commander to Liberate the Town) — a large-scale immersive drama in Linyi, Shandong province, a former revolutionary base during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

The project has gained wide attention online for its historical authenticity and emotional impact — especially in scenes where the "commander" leads participants in defending villagers from Japanese invaders.

I participated in every part of the experience, but when I was later asked to share the moment that left the deepest impression, I didn't choose the intense battle scenes. Instead, I picked a quieter moment — set in a humble rural courtyard, telling the story of the Women's National Salvation Society.

In this scene, a group of elderly women, though unable to fight on the battlefield, sat together discussing how they could prepare supplies for the army. Despite wartime hardships, they worked day and night to sew shoe pads for the soldiers and donated their last bits of food. One woman even gave up the seeds her family depended on to survive — all to support the army.

At the end of the scene, the women sang a song together, its lyrics lingering in my mind: "For the liberation of the people, return to the front lines — return to the front lines."

Those words echoed long after the performance ended. Even in my peaceful sleep, I remembered them — the hands that sewed the shoe pads, prepared the food, and quietly wove the future we now know as peace.

This trip answered the question that had long lingered in my heart — the peace we enjoy today was built by the strong, selfless hands of ordinary people.

I hope the song can spread beyond Linyi and resonate with more people. Peace does not appear out of thin air — it is created and protected by countless hearts working together.

It is through experiences like this that we remember — not just with our minds, but with our hearts — the pain and sacrifice of the past, and the countless lives that made great sacrifices for a shared dream.

We must hold on to that dream. We must cherish it by consciously reminding and educating ourselves about the blood and tears shed and protect it by actively participating in the effort to build a peaceful nation — and a harmonious global community.

This grand dream begins with every one of us. It's created by the people, for the people.

Written by Yang Zihan, a 17-year-old born in Hong Kong who now lives and studies in Shenzhen, Guangdong. She is the national winner of the "21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition and represented China in the 2024 International Public Speaking Competition.